Stampede at India’s Largest Religious Gathering Leaves 15 Dead, Dozens Injured
A pre-dawn stampede at the world’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela, claimed at least 15 lives and left many others injured on Wednesday. The tragedy unfolded as a massive crowd surged beyond a police barricade, leading to a deadly crush of devotees.
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in the northern city of Prayagraj, attracts tens of millions of pilgrims. This year’s event saw worshippers rushing to participate in a sacred ritual bath when the stampede occurred. Many who had been resting near the riverbanks were caught in the chaos, with some being trampled as the crowd moved forward in the darkness.
“I was sitting near a barricade, and during the pushing and shoving, the entire crowd fell on top of me, trampling me as it surged ahead,” said Renu Devi, a 48-year-old pilgrim who survived the incident. “When the crowd surged, elderly people and women were crushed, and no one came forward to help.”
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, maneuvering through piles of discarded clothing, footwear, and other belongings to assist victims. Police officers carried stretchers draped with thick blankets, bearing the bodies of those who perished.
A doctor treating the injured at a nearby hospital, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to talk to the media, confirmed that at least 15 people had died. However, official authorities have yet to release a final death toll. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. local time (12:30 a.m. PKT).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the accident “extremely sad.” “I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wish for the speedy recovery of all injured,” he stated.
Meanwhile, dozens of anxious relatives gathered outside a large tent serving as a temporary hospital for the festival, awaiting news of their loved ones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to provide medical care and manage the crowd remain ongoing.
